Traveling with Your Baby

Your baby’s age does not need to stop you from traveling wherever you’re destined to go. All you need to do is make sure you’re well prepared. Keep in mind that being well prepared is relative and varies from parent to parent.

Where you are going and for how long will determine what you will need to bring for your baby. A jaunt over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house may only require a well-stocked diaper bag, but if this is going to be a long, overnight journey, then you will want to be more equipped.

Short day trips will require the basics: a supply of diapers, a change of clothes, breast pump or bottles and formula, a favorite toy or two, blanket and of course the car seat. Depending upon your destination and plans you may also want to bring a baby sling or carrier and/or a stroller.

Vacations or longer trips away from home require considerably more planning and more gear. If you are visiting friends or relatives or stopping at several places along the way, it’s a good idea to make a list of what you are bringing and keep it with your suitcase. That way you can make sure you return home with all your gear. Junior will be very unhappy if his favorite “blankie” was left at Aunt Dora’s house, and so will you, if you have to listen to his distraught cries!

Here’s a list of things you may want to consider bringing for those longer journeys:

Good supply of diapers or coupons to cut down on the cost of buying them at your destination

Wipes and changing mat

Tissues

Any medications including diaper cream

Weather appropriate clothing – if you are going to go to a different climate, make sure to be prepared on both ends. If you’re leaving sunny California to visit Minnesota, check the weather because you will probably need to bundle up!

Bibs, spit-up towels

Baby washcloths, bath towel, soap, shampoo, lotion

First aid kit – chances are you won’t need it, but you never can tell when something might happen

Baby sling or carrier – for little babies, this will make getting around a lot easier

Breast pump or bottles, formula and necessary accessories

Night light

Baby monitor – It may very well come in handy if you are visiting relatives or friends

Baby blanket and sheet – believe it or not, the familiar smell of home may help her settle in to her new surroundings better

A few favorite toys

Sun screen/hat and possibly sun glasses

If you happen to be going out of the country, make sure you have the proper paperwork for your child. And of course if you are driving anywhere you will need the car seat. You may also want to take along a plastic bag for soiled clothes until you can get them laundered.